The Brooks Family YMCA fosters shared experiences of play, friendship, camaraderie, and competition to enhance health and wellness for the Charlottesville community. Prioritizing the community-based principles of the YMCA, the design provides natural places where members may share experiences, make new friends, and develop a sense of belonging. The building consists of a variety of multi-generational spaces serving a diversity of ages, abilities, programming, and fitness levels:

• A family aquatics center, including a ten-lane competition pool with an observation area and a family recreation pool
• A multipurpose double gymnasium with an elevated running track
• A central fitness room with cardiovascular equipment, free weights, and circuit training equipment
• A variety of group exercise rooms, including spaces dedicated to mind/body and cycling classes
• A lobby doubling as a community multipurpose room
• Play areas for children
• A Teen Center, which supports collaboration with Charlottesville High School’s AVID program and youth development programs

Carefully sited to preserve the existing McIntire Park fields and recreation areas, the YMCA is built into a slope, lowering the perceived massing of the entry and nestling the building next to mature woods for expansive views to nature. Generous windows, abundant daylighting, and transparent details contribute to a sense of openness and communion with the surrounding natural beauty.

A perforated screen around the building’s exterior is an effective sunshade that optimizes energy efficiency. At night, this allows the illuminated lobby to glow like a lantern, a welcoming portal for a shared community experience.